Holy Week

I’ve had 2 Friday infusions since my last post. I’m tolerating both drugs well, Trodelvy, and now  Keytruda, my immunotherapy drug.  Keytruda is given every 21 days.  My energy levels are better than I’d expected.  They will do more scans after my 3rd sequence, so late April we will know how the tumors have shrunken. I know that good things are happening because my left arm's range of motion is greatly improved. My nerve pain is gone, and I'm sleeping well.

Both infusion days included a special guest!  Kirsten and 6 month old Kira came for a week of fun smiles and army crawls.  Kira spent an afternoon with her other grandma, Lisa. and her Aunt McKenna, allowing Kirsten to come with Scott and me. 

The next Friday, Heath was in town and came along with us.  Kirsten and Heath overlapped a few days, which was extra fun for me, and extra productive on my project list.  My pantry now looks like a model home.  I’m so sad that we didn’t take a before photo, but I love the end result, and I’m determined to keep it in order–a place for everything, and everything in its place, no loose items. 

Organized pantry

Clean & organized fridge

I keep expanding my hair options.   I purchased some human hair wigs off of FB marketplace.  Heath and I definitely made some memories as we gathered them.  A thorough cleaning once we brought them home, and I now have an auburn, brunette, and blonde options.  I also purchased a black baseball hat with hair.  The 2 baseball hats are definite favorites because they are easy to put on and head out the door.  

Lisa Falls, Litle Cottonwood Canyon

One of my colorful compression sleeves

I now have a handicapped parking pass that will not expire.  That’s my plan too!  Last time, I waited too long before getting one.  When I felt like I needed it, my immune system was at risk, masks were not a thing 13 years ago, and I had to wait at the DMV for a long time.  This time, Heath did the leg work for me, while I worked on projects at home.

I’m finding that the Monday after Friday chemo seems to be the hardest day, as far as energy level and fatigue.  Getting out for walks helps so much. My friend, Ellen, is my Monday walking friend. We live in such a beautiful place with easy access to mountain trails.

  

In April, the annual Tenney girls trip (plus host Heath this year) will happen in Connecticut.   

We are going to Yosemite with Garrett’s family in May.  Summer time will be here very soon.  We look forward to our summer visitors.  We have also scheduled a Disney Cruise for 2027.  It is so fun scheduling events to look forward to. 

As we are at the beginning of Holy Week, I love and appreciate what Jesus has done for everyone.  I love knowing that Easter morning reminds us that our loved ones who have passed will rise and be with us again.  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/welcome/easter?lang=eng

Wigs and Pinkie Progress

Friday was my skip day from my chemo routine.  I love my skip days!  This week I’m feeling really good.  My energy levels feel normal, which is really encouraging!  In other great news, they found the right medicine for my nerve pain, which is now gone.  My left pinkie has been the physical deformity, sort of curled up, with no control.  You could flick it up, but it would just curl back.  This as due to the tumor squeezing the ulnar nerve.  I now have proof that the chemo is working because I can now straighten my pinky to stand straight. This makes me SO happy!

 

Things are going really well, besides my hair falling out ahead of schedule.  I had St. Patricks day down as the expected hair loss day, but Friday morning it was coming out by the brush full, with every stroke, lots if hair covered the brush.  Last time this was the hardest part.  

This time, probably from all of the prayers, it was fine.  I have more things to worry abouzt besides hair.  Scott used our hair clippers and used a number 6 guard and gave me a nice buzz cut.  I called my friend Cheryl, from our Manhattan Beach days who now lives in our neighborhood.   She went through all of this a year or two ago, and offered to help in any way.  She told me, “I’m your girl”.  So very last minute, she took me to her wig place and helped me, gathering a variety of wigs to try on,  I found one that looked close enough to my regular look.  I wanted to be recognizable to my grandkids and students.  I may try some more exotic looks just for fun later, but for now, this one felt just right.   Cheryl and Scott were my heroes that day. 

My baseball hat hair that I saved from last time. 

I’ve been living as if I have 6 months.  We finally met up with Scott’s childhood friend, Kenneth and Edee Raines.  I've lined up different friends to walk with me every day, which as been so good for my soul, body, and heart. Courtney came in for a few days for a former roommate’s wedding.  Kirsten and Kira come in tomorrow for a week.  Heath comes on Saturday for a week, with some overlap with Kirsten.  Garrett really wanted to come earlier this week, but I asked him to come later so I had something to look forward to in later months.  My kids are so great.  It is hard to know that they and Scott are so worried about me.  I’m blessed to be so loved.  

Recently, the teenagers from church (about 40!)  surprised us and sang a song for us.  Then they had each written a note card for me.  I invited them in, so they could all slide for a few minutes.  It was such a nice visit and it made me feel of their love and prayers.  

 

Today, I’m meeting up with 3 dear friends that I worked with in the BYU Records office with, after my graduation.  It has been 40 years since I’ve seen 2 of them!  It will be so much fun!

This Friday, they will add in the immunotherapy drug.  That added part gives me great hope.  I’m so encouraged by the progress I’m already experiencing.  I really feel the sustaining power from everyone’s prayers.  They give me strength beyond my own abilities.  I’m so thankful for Jesus and his gifts to all of us.  As Easter approaches, I have deep gratitude in knowing because of Jesus, we will see and be with our departed loved ones again.  I strongly believe that our loved ones will be the ones who greet us when we pass, and that they are the angels watching over us as we go through life.  These thoughts bring me great joy!

Miracles

 I had chemo on Friday.  My kids worked with friends and surprised me with balloons, Crumbl cookies, and tulips (thank you Utah elves for carrying out their surprise--Hoosier friends forever). Scott & I had Red Iguana for our date night meal.

Yes, I'm lactose intollerant, and yes, I enjoyed the cheese!

Saturday night and Sunday were the times that many friends and family were praying and fasting for my family.  Sunday was a beautiful day.  I’m not sure how it all works, but I definitely felt the prayers powerfully.  I’ve been in control of my emotions and able to speak to others about my situation with complete composure.  I feel empowered and know that God is gifting me with this ability due to your prayers and fasts.  It is a miracle, and my heart is full of appreciation for the privilege of feeling heaven surrounding us. I know that Scott has also felt strength through your prayers.  

My chemo drug is called Trodelvy.  According to nurses, it is less harsh on side affects than the drugs used for my treatment 13 years ago (Adriamycin Cytoxan, and then Taxol).   They include some anti nausea drugs and a steroid with my chemo, so I didn’t need to add any other meds until Monday, when my body was on its own.  So far, I’ve felt pretty close to normal.  I’ve lined up friends to walk with each day, which has been a blessing both for my physical and mental health.  

This Friday, they will add in an immunotherapy drug called Keytruda. I’ll have chemo Friday, Friday, skip, Friday, Friday, skip, …..for as long as we are getting desired results.  Then they’ll look at other options.  Since this is considered a terminal diagnosis, the goal is to find the right balance of QTWST, quality time without symptoms or toxicity.  If I have any trips that interfere with treatments, I can skip for a few days and then start up again as soon as I return.  We are hopeful to buy years, not months. 

We are living as if we have months–meeting up with friends that we have meant to gather with for years.  It is a sweet way to live that I recommend to everyone.  

This is a favorite song the children at church sing. I love my Savior and am so thankful for Him and the peace he gives me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ2djzQ9J64